Workshop: Tech for Improvisers

Most people think of improv as being about performing on-stage, but acting is only the first step in the process it takes to construct a whole theatre show.

What comes next? Light, sound, staging – and a lot more besides.

This workshop aims to give a basic overview of everything involved in designing the technical aspects of an improvised theatre show. From theory (How should I approach editing scenes?) to practice (What actually is an XLR cable?), everyone should leave this session with a firm grounding in the world of improvised theatrical design.

This workshop will be led by the BIT’s Technical Manager, Alex Hoyle, alongside fellow technician and improviser Luke Cox.

Instructors

Alex Hoyle is the Technical Manager of the Bristol Improv Theatre, and has been with the company since its inception. For the past five years he has also been the lead technical and lighting designer for Degrees Of Error, creators of the show Murder She Didn’t Write – which in 2017 enjoyed its sixth sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Since the beginning of his career Alex has worked on hundreds of improv productions, ranging from student theatre to 20-person professional crews.

Luke Cox has been training in and performing improv for six years. He is a technician at the BIT and the primary tech operator for This Is Your Musical. He has also worked with the Bristol Improv Marathon and Degrees of Error. He has trained technicians for the last three Unscripted Players shows and holds a master’s degree in engineering which isn’t relevant, but he likes people to know about.